Gov’t soldier dead, another hurt in clash with NPA in Samar

INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — A soldier died while another was wounded in an encounter Tuesday, May 14, with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in San Jorge town, Samar.

The fatality was identified as Corporal Reycon Remedio who was hit on his head.

Another soldier, Private Wilson Layson, was hit on his right arm.

Reports from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar disclosed that the soldiers belonging to the 3rd Infantry Battalion were in Barangay Gayondato to facilitate the delivery of basic services through the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program to the village.

While they were approaching the area, they were fired upon by the rebels, prompting them to fire back. This resulted in a 45-minute firefight.

The report added that the rebels were remnants of the sub-regional committee of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Major General Camilo Ligayo, the commanding general of the 8ID, expressed his deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the slain soldier.

“It is unfortunate that another life was lost in the pursuit of peace. He offered his young life protecting the residents of Gayondato to attain lasting peace in Eastern Visayas,” he said in a statement.

“(But) this will not deter our resolve to continue our sworn duty to ensure the safety and security of our communities. There will be no let-up in our operations,” he added as he repeated his call for the remaining active rebels to surrender and avail themselves of the various programs by the government to them.